CONVENE. COLLABORATE. INVEST.
ALICE: THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY RUNNING
Every morning before dawn, Maria starts her shift at the local hospital. James opens the daycare center where many parents trust him with their children. Sarah stocks the shelves at our neighborhood grocery store. These are just a few of our ALICE neighbors – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They’re our friends, family members, and fellow community members who enrich our neighborhoods in countless ways. While they help keep our communities running, they walk a financial tightrope every day.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO ALL OF US
In the Greater Newark area, nearly half of all households are ALICE. They earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to meet basic needs where they live. These individuals and families face impossible choices: Pay for groceries or utilities? Medicine or rent? Quality childcare or reliable transportation to work? One unexpected expense could upset their carefully balanced budget.
These aren’t just statistics – they’re our neighbors, coworkers, and friends….and might have been you at some point in your life. When one part of our community struggles, we all feel the impact. But when we work together to create solutions, everyone benefits.
TAKING ACTION FOR OUR COMMUNITY
At United Way of Greater Newark, we serve all residents across our 14 municipalities in Essex and Hudson counties. Throughout our region, dedicated ALICE workers who staff our hospitals, childcare centers, retail stores, and other essential services often find themselves juggling financial priorities despite steady employment.
Through our leadership and partnerships, we serve as a conduit for government, funders, and corporations to make a positive impact on our ALICE neighbors. We purposefully partner, gain support, and leverage our relationships to invest back into our communities, empowering residents to live healthier lives with access to quality education and opportunities for economic advancement.
The struggles of those living in our communities are interconnected, and when we address root causes rather than symptoms, we can work toward long-term success and real change.
BUILDING PATHWAYS TO STABILITY
Financial Empowerment
Through the Newark Asset Building Coalition (NABC), we provide crucial financial services. Our VITA program helps working families claim earned income credits, receive tax refunds they’ve earned, and access free, professional tax preparation services that help them maximize their refunds while avoiding costly preparation fees.
Education Access
We’re committed to ensuring young people have access to new books, internships, and positive youth development opportunities. Newark Thrives supports out-of-school time initiatives that help youth succeed. Through programs like Celebrity Read, Multi-lingual Reading Day, and Black Men Read Day, we encourage literacy, distribute new books to students and community partners, and demonstrate how learning and education are powerful.
Health and Wellbeing
United Way of Greater Newark partners with Believe in a Healthy Newark to address the social determinants of health in our community. Together, we tackle challenges like adverse childhood experiences, housing conditions, and food insecurity, while providing guidance on nutrition, fitness, and mental health resources.
CREATING LASTING CHANGE
Community-Wide Support
Our partnerships with organizations help ensure residents have access to vital resources. Through Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we unite to support ALICE households – our hardworking neighbors who face mounting costs for essentials like housing, healthcare, and childcare. By engaging volunteers and raising awareness through targeted outreach, we’re building a network of support that strengthens each of our communities.
Local Impact
Funds raised through Neighbors Helping Neighbors stay within each municipality, supporting both our work and local non-profit organizations. This targeted approach allows us to address unique community needs while fostering collaboration with local leaders to create effective, sustainable solutions. Together, we’re working hand-in-hand to ensure everyone in our communities has the resources they need to thrive.
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The strength of our community lies in how we support each other. Through United Way of Greater Newark’s coordinated approach, we’re not just helping individuals and families in need – we’re building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Whether through donation, advocacy, or volunteering, you can help create positive change. Join us in supporting our neighbors and building a community where everyone has a chance to succeed. Because united is the only way forward.
